Auditory Prosthesis Sound Processor Interface for Compact Multi-Function Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional auditory prosthesis sound processor apparatuses require a large number of contacts for interchangeable connectivity with multiple external components, leading to a bulky and aesthetically unappealing design due to the need for dedicated functions per contact.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sound processor apparatus with an interface assembly that uses a limited number of contacts by employing switchable current sources and differential transmitters/receivers, allowing the same contacts to facilitate both component type detection and communication with programming systems, thereby reducing the overall contact count and enabling multiple functions per contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of contacts are used in the interface assembly to provide dedicated functions for each external component, then the sound processor apparatus can interchangeably connect to multiple external components (battery modules, programming systems, etc.), but the physical size of the interface assembly increases, making the sound processor apparatus bulky and aesthetically unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling each contact in the interface assembly to serve multiple functions through dynamic configuration. The control module can dynamically assign different functions to each contact based on the connected external component type. For example, contacts can be configured as power supply contacts when a battery module is detected, or as data communication contacts when a programming system is connected. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated contacts for each function, thereby reducing the overall contact count and interface assembly size while maintaining full adaptability to connect interchangeably with multiple external components.
2Reliability
If multiple dedicated contacts are allocated for different functions (power supply, data communication, component detection), then the sound processor apparatus can reliably perform all required functions, but the contact count increases, leading to a larger and more complex interface assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by introducing dynamic function allocation and dynamic contact configuration mechanisms. The control module continuously detects the type of external component connected to the interface assembly and dynamically reconfigures the function of each contact accordingly. When a battery module is detected, contacts are dynamically assigned for power supply and battery type detection; when a programming system is detected, the same contacts are dynamically reconfigured for data communication. This dynamic adaptability ensures reliable performance of all required functions while maintaining a compact interface assembly with fewer contacts, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sound processor apparatus uses a high contact count interface assembly to support multiple external components, then all component types can be accommodated, but the number of components increases and power consumption rises, reducing battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing function-specific contact activation. Instead of keeping all contacts actively configured at all times, the control module detects the connected external component type and activates only the specific subset of contacts required for that component's function. For example, when a battery module is connected, only the power supply and battery detection contacts are activated; when a programming system is connected, only the data communication contacts are activated. This selective local activation significantly reduces overall power consumption compared to maintaining all contacts in a high-ready state, thereby extending battery life while preserving full adaptability to support multiple external component types.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary sound processor apparatus included in an auditory prosthesis system includes 1) an interface assembly that includes at least a first contact, 2) a first switchable current source having an output coupled to the first contact of the interface assembly by way of a first data line, 3) a differential transmitter having an output coupled to the first contact of the interface assembly by way of the first data line, 4) a differential receiver having an input coupled to the first contact of the interface assembly by way of the first data line, and 5) a control module communicatively coupled to the first switchable current source, the differential transmitter, and the differential receiver and configured to selectively operate in a component type detection mode and in a programming mode. Corresponding sound processor apparatuses, systems, and methods are also described.